-
Central Powers
Another one of the major defense alliances. Consisted of Germany, Hungary-Austria, and the Ottoman Empire -
Allies
One of the two major defense alliances. Consisted of France Britain and Russia -
Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was visting Sarajevo and a member of the Blackhand organization stepped out from the crowd and shot him. This was considered a shot against Serbia. -
Schlieffen Plan
The strategy Germany used to invade Belgium. This plan called
for a holding action against Russia, combined with a quick
drive through Belgium to Paris; after France had fallen, the
two German armies would defeat Russia. -
Sinking of British liner Luisitania
A U-boat snak the British liner, Luisitania, off the southern coast of Ireland. The Germans defended their action on
the grounds that the liner carried ammunition. Despite Germany’s explanation,
Americans became outraged with Germany because of the loss of life. American
public opinion turned against Germany and the Central Powers. -
Sinking of British liner Arabic
In August 1915, a U-boat
sank another British liner, the Arabic, drowning two Americans. Again the United
States protested, and this time Germany agreed not to sink any more passenger
ships. -
Sinking of French passenger liner Sussex
In March 1916, Germany broke its promise to the U.S. to not sink any more passenger ships when they sank the Sussex. -
Zimmerman note
a telegram from
the German foreign minister to the
German ambassador in Mexico that was
intercepted by British agents. The
telegram proposed an alliance between
Mexico and Germany and promised
that if war with the United States broke
out, Germany would support Mexico in
recovering “lost territory in Texas, New
Mexico, and Arizona.” -
Battle of the Somme
First battle of World War 1. 1.2 million casualities. Introduction of trench warfare. -
War Industries Board
Encouraged companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency. Also urged them to eliminate waste by standardizing products. -
Committee on Public Information
Set up by the government to popularize the war. Used propaganda to spread its message. -
Selective Service Act of 1917
To meet the government’s need for more
fighting power, Congress passed the Selective Service Act in
May 1917. The act required men to register with the government
in order to be randomly selected for military service. -
Second Battle of the Marne
After Russia pulled out, American troops stepped in and helped win the second Battle of Marne -
Convoy System
A heavy guard of destroyers
escorted merchant ships back and forth across the Atlantic in groups. -
National War and Labor Board
Created by President Wilson to deal with disputes between management and labor -
Food Administration
Set up by Wilson to produce and conserve food -
Espionage and Sedition Acts
People fined and jailed for interferring with the war effort or saying anything disloyal, profane, or abusive about the government and/or the war effort -
Austia-Hungary surrenders to the Allies
On November 3, 1918, AustriaHungary
surrendered to the Allies. -
Establishment of the German Republic
On November 9th, socialist leaders in the capital, Berlin, established a German Republic. -
Cease-fire armstice
On Novemeber 11, Germany signed an armstice and agreed to cease-fire. Called a truce.
